It's not entirely clear which fast-food restaurant kicked off the trend, but shrimp lovers are grateful to have options nonetheless. Some, like Long John Silver's, offer shrimp all year round. Others, like Del Taco, keep you coming back for more with limited edition, seasonal dishes. 

Grab your car keys and keep the cocktail sauce at home—if you're a fan looking for a quick fix, these fast-food chains have got you covered. 

RELATED: Forget Fish Sandwiches, Shrimp Is the New "It" Fast Food This Season

Popeyes wins over fast-food fans because it kicks up its seafood dishes with its classic Cajun flavors with. Their popcorn shrimp offering is perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, mastering the art of a crispy exterior and tender interior. "I would rather scarf down boxes of the popcorn shrimp than eat the actual sandwiches or tenders," one Reddit user raved.

Customers can enjoy the meal on its own or eat it with Popeyes classic fried chicken pieces or the iconic chicken sandwich, creating their own fast-food surf 'n turf. Keep an eye out on the Popeyes app or your local chain, as the restaurant likes to bring back other dishes every so often—like the seasonal Shrimp Tackle Box and the Hushpuppy Shrimp meal.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Those looking for lighter options can check out the Grilled Shrimp Tacos at Baja Fresh, which are topped with sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, freshly made pico de gallo, and avocado salsa. A soft corn tortilla rounds out the flavors, but feel free to add a drizzle of their creamy chipotle sauce for an extra layer of zing.

It's a flavorful and healthy option, at 180 calories and 7 grams fat. Baja Fresh's fire-grilled shrimp is also available as a protein choice for any of their other menu items, like their burritos, salads, and nachos.

Sure, they are known for their burgers, but the Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp at Culver's is a delightful twist to traditional fast-food offerings. The shrimp are lightly breaded and fried to a crispy golden brown, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite, and come with Culver's special recipe cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge.

"Dip or dunk, we don't judge," the company posted on their Facebook page, to which one fan replied, "Culver's shrimp and sauce are calling me for lunch!" And yes, you can absolutely pair them with their renowned buttery Wisconsin cheese curds, or a fresh frozen custard for dessert.

White Castle's Shrimp Nibblers come and go on their menu, most recently popping back up between February and April 2023. Diners go crazy for the bite-sized side dish, with tender and juicy shrimp coated in a savory batter. The perfectly fried shrimp are served in a convenient slider box, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a quick yet flavorful fix.

YouTuber Tommy Swan reviewed the Shrimp Nibblers himself, testing out the Sriracha spiced variety. "The spice hits you later on," he claims, additionally commenting that he "likes the grease" of the crispy fried shrimps.

With everything the Del Taco menu offers, it's no surprise that shrimp has become a beloved seasonal protein offering. The fast-food taco chain likes to provide different variations on its menu, including the Original Crispy Jumbo Shrimp Taco and the Buttery Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Quesadilla Jumbo Shrimp Taco.

Shrimp isn't always offered, so you have to grab it while you can. YouTuber Peep THIS Out! gave a rave review of the Buttery Garlic Parmesan Jumbo Shrimp Taco though, saying that it felt more like "an Italian taco situation" but that the seasoning "really stood out" indicating the flavor combination was totally worth it.

RELATED: The Best & Worst Fast-Food Fish Sandwiches to Try Right Now

This classic fast-food seafood chain offers both fried and grilled shrimp, along with other tasty seafood items. Their batter-dipped shrimp are coated in a signature batter, creating a satisfying crunch, and customers don't have to choose between fried fish or fried shrimp. The Fish & Shrimp Platter is one of the most popular menu items at Long John Silver's.

On the lighter side, the seasoned grilled shrimp can be added to a rice bowl or used as protein in tacos. Diners can choose from Sweet Chili, Baja, or Southwest flavorings or simply seasoned salt and pepper style. Don't forget to add some Long John Silver's famous hush puppies and tangy tartar sauce, a great compliment to every seafood dish.

A&W recently added Pub Style Baskets to their menu, and diners who aren't sure about which one they want can even take a quiz to find one that matches their personality. Those who know that they are in the mood for shrimp will be treated to a new larger, crunchier basket of fried shrimp, served with fresh coleslaw and a boatload of hot fries.

Youtubers from The Chico & Poppy Show recently reviewed the Pub Style Shrimp Basket, saying the restaurant "went out of its comfort zone" with the latest addition, and that there isn't a "strong fishy taste" which can sometimes plague fast-food offerings.

The Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express has long been a fan favorite, with crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, almost creamy honey sauce, complimented by candied walnuts for an extra sweet-savory kick. It's also one of the healthier items on the menu, at 360 calories, 23 grams of fat, and 13 grams of protein, while also being relatively low in sodium.

The Asian-inspired chain has also recently added Sizzling Shrimp to its menu, with garlic, ginger, and vegetables like baby broccoli, onions, and red peppers. A tangy sauce rounds out the dish, which Paul White, author of Spicy Food Reviews, really enjoyed. "There is a slight sweetness to the sauce as well which acts as a good balance to the other flavors," he adds in his review of the dish.

The post 8 Fast-Food Chains That Serve the Best Shrimp appeared first on Eat This Not That.

No matter how you like it, there are countless coffee shops out there, so how can you tell which ones have the best cold brew? To begin with, it's first important to understand what exactly takes it from good to great.

Heather Calatrello, the owner and head coffee roaster at ShedLight Coffee Roasters, a San Diego-based coffee roastery that runs on solar power, shares that the best cold brew will be smooth with delicate nuances and low acidity. "Cold brew should be significantly less bitter than other brews, as the extra coarse grind prevents over-extraction during the long steeping time," she says.

Calatrello points out that any roast of coffee can be used to make a cold brew, but she finds that a medium or medium-dark roast tends to work best as it produces a bolder cold brew. "For those who drink their coffee without any milk or sweetener, a lighter roast will yield a fruitier, almost tea-like brew," she explains.

There are also a few essential factors people must consider when making this chilled beverage, "and this goes for coffee shops, individuals at home, and major coffee chains alike," she says. For starters, Calatrello points out that the long steeping time is "critical." "Cold brew should be steeped for at least 12 hours for optimal results," she says. "If the time is cut in an effort to expedite the process, the flavor of the cold brew will be weak and underdeveloped."

Another essential detail is the size of the grind, which Calatrello says must be extra coarse. "Or the cold brew may over-extract, resulting in a bitter and bland brew," she adds. And lastly, the quality of the water used is also paramount. "It's best to use pure, filtered water because, unlike hot brews where the heat may mask any unwanted mineral notes from the water, cold brew is brewed and served cold, so any unwanted flavors will be more pronounced."

From large national chains with tons of different menu choices to smaller but still exciting spots that offer innovative twists, here are eight coffee chains that serve the best cold brew.

RELATED: 7 Unhealthiest Fast-Food Coffees To Stay Away From Right Now

You can't make this list without mentioning Starbucks. The popular coffee chain, which has been around since the 1970s, is known for its delicious caffeinated drinks, including lattes, espressos, frappuccinos, and cold brews.

Calatrello shares that many major national coffee chains serve diluted cold brew that doesn't have much flavor. However, Starbucks' nitro cold brew is one "notable exception," she says. In fact, Calatrello recommends ordering it any time you see it offered on a menu. "The addition of nitrogen creates tiny bubbles and a rich crema, making the drink irresistibly smooth and decadent," Calatrello says. Even better? She points out that the popular chain typically serves theirs sans ice. "So that means you get more cold brew for your money—a huge plus!"

Starbucks currently offers nitro cold brew in three different flavors—plain, cinnamon cream, or vanilla sweet cream—which means there's something for everyone.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Blue Bottle Coffee was founded in 2002 in San Francisco but now has over 100 cafes throughout the United States and Asia. Not to mention, its e-commerce platform and subscription service are growing.

"Blue Bottle's cold brew is perfectly balanced, smooth, and refreshing," says Calatrello. " We love that it is full-bodied and tastes delicious on its own or with milk." She also points out that the brand sells a canned version that can be purchased if you don't live close to one of its shops.

The chain also has a menu full of delicious drink items such as macchiatos, lattes, hot chocolates, flat whites, espressos, and more. In addition, its cafes are often minimalistic and chic and well worth the visit.

Bluestone Lane is one of those coffee chains that will have you hooked on your first visit. Founded in 2013 in Midtown Manhattan, the popular coffee spot now has over 55 cafes and coffee shops located throughout the United States.

Jordan Rogers, Area General Manager at Bluestone Lane, shares that the chain's cold brew is made using the brand's signature Flagstaff coffee blend that's brewed to perfection in 12 hours to allow the create a mouth-watering flavor profile that includes notes of toasted almond, vanilla, and milk chocolate. "It is expertly crafted with care so guests can enjoy it black—the true test of any good cold brew—or with a gentle splash of milk," Rogers adds.

Bluestone Lane's menu is packed with other tasty drinks too, like Aussie iced lattes, cappuccinos, and berry smoothies, and seasonal food items, including delicious options like avocado toast, a chicken and ancient grains bowl, and delectable banana bread.

Peet's Coffee, the famous coffee chain that first popped up in California in the 1960s, now has hundreds of locations and counting. Beyond its welcoming atmosphere, it serves up a top-notch cold brew.

Patrick Main, Senior R&D Manager of Beverage at Peet's Coffee, explains that the chain uses its signature Baridi Blend which features medium-roasted East African and South American coffees. "Baridi is the Swahili word for cold," Main mentions. This combination creates a rich and complex yet refreshing drink with a pleasant chocolate taste paired with citrus and dark berry notes.

"The best coffees to brew cold are coffees that naturally have refreshing flavor attributes," adds Main. Because of this, East African coffees are popular to use when cold brewing because they have plenty of fruity, berry, citrus, and floral notes. "And those flavor notes express really nicely in a cold brew."

RELATED: 7 Unhealthiest Fast-Food Coffees To Stay Away From Right Now

Main says he also can't get over PJ's Coffee, a New Orleans-founded coffee shop that started in 1978. "I also have to mention PJ's Coffee of New Orleans, who were way out ahead of the cold brew craze. I remember them brewing it in their cafes back in the mid-'90s," he says.

The spot is famous for the delicious nitro cold brew that's infused with nitrogen gas to help give it a creamy texture. It's brewed using a special cold-drip process that results in coffee that is two-thirds less acidic. Some other menu standouts at PJ's include the Southern Wedding Cake Iced Latte, which is made with whole milk and almond and vanilla syrups, that's available for a limited time, and the hot mocha sweetened with Ghirardelli cocoa. The chain has nearly 170 locations throughout the country.

La Colombe has over 30 coffee shops in New York, Austin, Philadelphia, and Chicago (with more opening soon), and is known for its excellent coffee that always hits the spot.

Those who don't live close to a La Colombe shop are in luck—the beloved chain, which has been around since 1994, also has its cold brew available for purchase via its website. Choose from fun options, like nitro extra bold cold brew, the limited edition nitro cold brew with lemon, and Colombian cold brew. La Colombe even sells it on tap fridge pack.

Although a smaller chain—with a handful of locations in Portland, New York, Los Angeles, and Kyoto—Stumptown is still considered one of the best places to enjoy a cup of cold brew. "I really love the cold brew that I have had at Stumptown cafes in Portland and New York," shares Main. " It's very different from [Peet's], with a lighter roast style that produces a super bright, sweet, acidic brew."

The chain offers its original blend for sale right on its website as well. Beyond the cold brew, they also carry a wide range of coffee beans and a list of other innovative chilled options, including horchata and chocolate cold brews made with oat milk. Stumptown also sells its Strange Magic fizzy drink, a plant-based drink made from cascara, aka the dried fruit taken from the coffee plant.

Dunkin' makes some tasty cold brew that is a favorite among many. Started in 1950, the famous coffee and donut shop has over 11,300 locations worldwide—pretty impressive, huh?

Its cold brew is made with 100% Arabica beans steeped in cold water overnight for 12 hours. This helps extract the flavor better and create an incredibly smooth, full-bodied drink with a sweet, chocolate taste. Even better? Dunkin' likes to craft-brew this drink in small batches, so you know it will be good.

The post 8 Coffee Chains That Serve The Best Cold Brew appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The burger giant has been seeing some signs of improvement in its financial situation this year, likely due to its sweeping $400 million investment campaign aimed at improving its brand and restaurants. The chain beat analyst estimates with a 12.3% increase in global same-store sales and an 8.7% increase in same-store sales in the United States in the first quarter of 2023. However, Burger King still has a ways to go if it wants to gain traction in the burger wars again and become more competitive with major rivals like McDonald's and Wendy's. There are a couple of reasons behind Burger King's continuing struggles, but the biggest one of all might be its ongoing woes with the health and profitability of its franchisees.

RELATED: The #1 Burger To Order at Every Major Dine-In Chain, According to Chefs

Two major Burger King operators–TOMS King Holdings and Meridian Restaurants Unlimited—filed for bankruptcy in the first quarter of 2023 due to declines in foot traffic and revenue. Burger King has also shuttered dozens of restaurants since the start of the year, including 27 of Meridian's locations and 26 restaurants from another operator that Burger King sued over its alleged failure to pay required royalties, ad fund payments, and other charges.

In good news, Burger King has plans to improve the health of franchisees that coincidentally include the closures of even more restaurants. The company expects to shutter as many as 400 restaurants this year, most of which will be "low volume" units, in order to "improve the overall health of the system," Josh Kobza, CEO of the chain's parent company Restaurant Brands International, revealed during a May earnings call. On top of purging some struggling restaurants, Burger King is also trying to work with other franchisees to drive better results and encourage those that can't meet brand standards to sell their locations to better-performing operators.

"I do expect a bit more short-term noise as we transition some portfolios into the hands of top local operators, but think we are moving in the right direction to improve our foundation for the long-term," he said.

Sign up for our newsletter!

The other reason that Burger King is still struggling comes down to traffic. Kobza revealed during that May earnings call that traffic for the first quarter of 2023 was "modestly negative." Still, the company found it encouraging that traffic wasn't quite as negative in the first quarter as it was in the fourth quarter of 2022. Kobza said that RBI is focused on growing traffic throughout the rest of 2023 through good advertising and focusing on improving operations, which can lead to better customer experiences. Only time will tell if Burger King can meet these ambitious goals, but the chain is betting on itself.

"We're feeling increasingly positive about the case path forward this year and into the future," Kobza said.

The post Burger King Is Still a Struggling Chain—Here's Why appeared first on Eat This Not That.

There are countless Mexican restaurants located throughout the country—this number looks to hover around 49,000—but sometimes nothing quite hits the spot like a tasty meal from a Mexican chain. Chains, whether regional or found throughout the country, often consistently churn out some of the tastiest food.

To help find some of the best Mexican chains in the country, we decided to enlist the help of experts. Several chefs have shared their picks for top Mexican chains. Keep reading for six Mexican chains where chefs actually eat.

RELATED: 6 Mexican Restaurant Orders That Make Chefs Roll Their Eyes

Diana Manalang, chef and owner of Little Chef Little Café in New York City, is a huge fan of Los Tacos No. 1, a New York-based Mexican chain that started in 2013 with an inaugural location in Manhattan's Chelsea Market. "Hands down, my favorite is Los Tacos No. 1," she says. "It has the best tacos and tostadas that are fresh, flavorful, and consistent—that's all it needs to be to be good."

The restaurant, which has several locations throughout New York City, was started by three friends from Mexico and California. It's now known as one of the best places in New York City to enjoy a plate of tacos. It also has other standouts on the menu, including marinated pork quesadillas and Mexican sodas.

Sign up for our newsletter!

When it comes to choosing a favorite Mexican restaurant chain, Leah Di Bernardo, founder and executive chef at EAT Marketplace in Temecula, Calif., would have to go with Chipotle.

"As a chef, I choose to eat at Chipotle because they prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients," Di Bernardo says. "Their commitment to using organic and locally grown foods not only supports small farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint of their operations,"

She also loves that the food is fresh, with nothing pre-made, bagged, or defrosted, "which yields some delicious quick food."

Even better? There are currently over 3,000 Chipotle locations found throughout the world, which means that if you're in the mood for one of its burritos or burrito bowls, chances are you're right near one.

If chef Justin Plank of Terralina in Disney Springs, Orlando, had to pick his favorite Mexican restaurant chain, he'd go with Florida-based spot Agave Azul. "I would have to say for my teens and me, our favorite Mexican chain restaurant locally is Agave Azul. They are fast, consistent, friendly, and reasonably priced."

Agave Azul, which has several locations in areas like Winter Park and Orlando, has a packed menu full of delicious dishes that hit the spot. Some eye-catching ones include the empanadas, made with brisket, queso Oaxaca, and cilantro garlic, and the carne asada, prepared with char-grilled ribeye. Park thinks the tuna stack is "awesome," as well as the birria tacos. "Also, the drink menu stands out with delicious margaritas and cold draft beer."

If you're in the mood for tasty Mexican food in a welcoming atmosphere, be sure to stop by Moe's. The popular Mexican chain currently has over 600 locations throughout the United States alone. In fact, Florida and Georgia each have nearly 100 locations.

For those who aren't familiar with Moe's but would like to give the chain a try, a good place to start is by taking a look at its "Greatest Hits" section of the menu, which includes beloved options like the Moe Meat Moe Cheese Burrito, the Edgy Veggie Burrito, and its Chicken Club Quesadilla.

Robbie Shoults, celebrity chef and owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall, Texas, also picked a regional chain as his favorite Mexican chain. "I love Superior Grill," Shoults says of the Louisiana-based restaurant with various locations in spots like Shreveport and New Orleans. "To start out, their chips and hot sauce are the best ever, not to mention they serve, as their name indicates, superior-tasting, over-the-top Mexican food."

Some of the chain's standout menu options include the carne asada served with rice, soup, guacamole, tortillas, and pico de gallo, and Juarez sizzling fajitas, which are made with Mesquite grilled skirt steak and chicken. However, it's not all about the food here. Shoults describes the atmosphere of the chain as "fun and festive."

RELATED: 6 Mexican Restaurant Menu Red Flags That Should Raise Alarm Bells

Chef Chris Martin, the founder of Savor the Passion, a platform that connects people with chefs for private events, shares that his favorite spot would have to be El Loro. El Loro is a Minnesota-based Mexican chain restaurant serving delicious fajitas, tacos, tostadas, and more.

"Back in my wild junior high days, our Spanish class took an epic adventure to El Loro, the coolest Mexican food joint in town," shares Martin. "And let me tell you; it was love at first bite!" Martin says he remembers not only the "mouthwatering dishes" but also the "incredible hospitality" that he and his classmates received.

"Fast forward a couple of decades—can you believe it?—and guess what? El Loro still delivers that same mind-blowing experience." Martin says that El Loro has become his and his family's go-to spot when they want to have a delicious meal. "We've become such regulars that the staff knows us by heart, anticipating our favorite drinks before we even place our order."

The post 6 Mexican Chains Where Chefs Actually Eat appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The casual steakhouse, which is under the umbrella of parent company Darden Restaurants, topped analyst estimates with a sizable 7.1% increase in same-store sales in the most recent quarter that ended on May 28. This is even higher than Darden's overall 4% increase in same-store sales, as well as the 4.4% increase reported for fellow Darden brand Olive Garden.

RELATED: 9 Steakhouse Chains Where the Sides Are Better Than the Steaks

The reason behind Longhorn's particularly successful quarter? During a June 22 earnings call, Darden's president and CEO Rick Cardenas said that there wasn't one "silver bullet," or a sole reason that could explain LongHorn's performance. Still, he offered up several potential factors that may have come into play.

For starters, he conceded that some price increases helped drive those strong sales for the quarter. This is far from uncommon in the restaurant industry, where many companies have been upping menu prices in order to offset elevated costs for food, labor, and other commodities. In March this year, Darden CFO Raj Vennam estimated that the company's total price increases for its 2023 fiscal year would fall around 6% of 6.5%, according to Restaurant Dive.

However, these price increases don't seem to be the whole story behind LongHorn's recent surge in sales. Cardenas said that guest traffic has also been "positive" at the chain, with one major highlight from the latest quarter being when the brand broke its weekly sales record during the week of Mother's Day. Additionally, Cardenas touted the performance of LongHorn Steakhouse's president Todd Burrowes, noting that Burrowes and his team have been on a "journey" to promote quality, simplicity, and culture at the chain.

Sign up for our newsletter!

"LongHorn has been executing well for the last few years and I want to commend Todd and his team," he said.

Great execution at any restaurant, whether regarding the quality of service or the actual food, can lead to happier guests who may be more motivated to come back again in the future. Earlier in the call, Cardenas noted that "internal guest satisfaction metrics remain at or near all-time highs across our brands."

"There aren't silver bullets here. It's about having great execution, investing in your team, investing in your product to drive profitable, same-restaurant sales growth, and that's what they've been doing," he said in reference to LongHorn's leadership.

While LongHorn outshined other Darden brands in the most recent quarter, it will be measured against another popular steakhouse chain moving forward, Ruth's Chris Steak House, which Darden just acquired earlier this month.

The post Longhorn Steakhouse Is Skyrocketing in Popularity—Here's Why appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Known as a Southern staple, there is (thankfully) no shortage of restaurants and eateries throughout the South that serve these delicious baked goods. However, some standout places have cemented themselves through the years as spots you simply cannot miss. Many of these establishments not only serve up mouth-watering biscuits but also offer more innovative spins on them, such as biscuit sandwiches stuffed with pulled pork, pimento cheese, and sausage gravy or biscuit crackers that can be enjoyed with butter, dip, or jam.

We've rounded up several Southern restaurants that serve the best biscuits around. From one iconic institution that has been whipping up melt-in-your-mouth biscuits for the last 70 years to a beloved biscuit shop that also offers nationwide shipping, here are the seven restaurants that serve the best biscuits in the South.

RELATED: I Tried the Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches at McDonald's, Wendy's, & Burger King and One Was Simply Perfect

You can't go to Nashville without trying out Biscuit Love, the highly popular eatery serving biscuits in many delicious ways. "I recently discovered my favorite biscuit in Nashville at Biscuit Love, not too far from Black Tap's newest location on 3rd Ave North," says Chef Stephen Parker, corporate chef of Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer. "Their style biscuits are perfect since they are super flaky and buttery and pair really well with their delicious brown sugar lemonade." Parker mentions that the space's vibe is "trendy and fun," and their offerings, including donuts and chicken, are also "must-haves."

If you find yourself at Biscuit Love, be sure to order their biscuit and sausage gravy combo or the Southern Benny, which is an open-faced buttermilk biscuit piled high with shaved country ham, over-easy eggs, and sausage gravy.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Chef Emerio Viramontes, the executive chef of Chef's Palette, located at CANVAS Hotel Dallas, likes to hit up the Biscuit Bar in Dallas. "The Biscuit Bar in Dallas has these nice fluffy, crispy biscuits," Viramontes says. "They have a light coating of honey that sets it off to the perfect bite."

Viramontes also points out that the Biscuit Bar's menu has a wide range of biscuit sandwiches available. Offerings include the Philly, which has seasoned ribeye, peppers, sriracha mayo, and melted jack cheese, and the Rough Night, which is made with Southern fried chicken, a burger patty, ham, bacon, tots, cheddar, and sausage gravy. "But I always order the El Jefe, which comes with slow-roasted pulled pork, sliced smoked ham, pickles, Monterey jack cheese, and a dijon aioli," he adds.

Another great place to pick up tasty biscuits is Dulce Dough Bakery in St. Simons Island. "One of my favorite biscuits I've had in the South comes from Dulce Dough Bakery in St. Simons Island, Ga.," says Kristin Beringson, executive chef of Henley in Nashville.

"They have amazing buttermilk biscuits, but the star of the show is really their spicy cheddar and bacon cathead biscuits, which are super Southern by nature and reference the size of the biscuit being that of a cat's head!" Beringson says. She notes that these typically have a crunchier texture on the outside and have roots in the Mississippi Delta. "They are a 'must order' when I see them on the menu, and the ones from Dulce Dough in particular are super flavorful and a meal all on their own!"

We can't put together this roundup without shouting out buzzy burger chain Whataburger. Robbie Shoults, celebrity chef and owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse in Texas, says Whataburger has some of the best biscuits out there.

"The Whataburger biscuit is my favorite because of how buttery and soft it is," Shoults says. He mentions that he likes to top it off with a drizzle of Whataburger honey butter sauce, which he describes as "liquid gold." "It's the perfect blend of honey and butter," he explains. "The flavors complement each other. Also, Whataburger is a staple for the south—they're open late and have everything you're craving; it's a must."

Even better? Whataburger has over 900 locations throughout the southern United States, so if you're located in this part of the country, you may not have to travel far to get your hands on one of these tasty treats.

RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Fried Fish

The Loveless Cafe is one of the most popular places to pick up some biscuits in the South. Started in the 1950s by Lon and Annie Loveless, the cafe has grown into a Southern staple and has a menu packed with delicious items like Southern omelets, fried pork chop platters, and stone ground grits.

They even have a "build your own biscuit sliders" menu option, which allows you to build six sliders with multiple fillings, including mouth-watering options like bacon, fried chicken, pulled pork barbecue, sausage, country ham, and pimento cheese with fried green tomatoes. If you're not local, don't worry, The Loveless Cafe is available on Goldbelly and ships nationwide.

We can't look at the menu for Callie's Hot Little Biscuit without having our mouths water. Started in 2005 by Carrie Morey, the famous chain has been praised by the likes of The New York Times, O Magazine, and Southern Living for its amazing biscuits.

Although anything from Callie's is delicious, some of their best sellers include their country ham biscuits, which are made with chopped country ham, house-whipped Dijon mustard butter, and sharp cheddar, and their tasty buttermilk version, which can be easily topped with fried chicken and cheese, or just enjoyed with a drizzle of honey butter.

We also have good news for you: Callie's Hot Little Biscuit has shipping available, so if you're not located near one of their shops, you can still get a batch of these lip-smackingly good treats delivered right to your door.

If you haven't yet been to Buttermilk Kitchen in Atlanta, you need to add it to your bucket list ASAP. Started over a decade ago in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, the famous local eatery churns out some of the city's best breakfast and brunch dishes.

One menu item not to miss is their biscuits. Flaky and fluffy, these delicious can be enjoyed so many different ways. Order the chicken biscuit sandwich, which is made with sweet tea brined fried chicken and red pepper jelly if you want something a bit more unexpected, or pick up the biscuit and gravy combo, which features a buttermilk biscuit topped with sawmill gravy and two eggs if you're looking for a tasty, filling breakfast. If you want a simple vibe, go for the basket with three biscuits, homemade blueberry-basil jam, red pepper jelly, and Banner butter, which is slow-cultured butter made right in Atlanta. Oh, and you can't forget to try Buttermilk Kitchen's biscuit crackers.

The post 7 Restaurants That Serve the Best Biscuits In the South appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Here, we've rounded up our favorite fried chicken spots in the South, according to chefs from around the nation. Basically, we'll eat fried chicken in just about any form, and according to our experts, these fried chicken joints are pretty hard to beat.

RELATED: 6 Fried Chicken Chains Where Chefs Actually Eat

Prince's is known for popularizing hot chicken, a specialty fried chicken that started in Nashville and is covered in a red sauce or paste that has different levels of heat from cayenne or other pepper. Executive Chef Bin Lu of Blue Rock in Washington, Va. (former head chef of Michelin-starred Pineapple and Pearls) mentions Prince's as a top pick for fried chicken in the South.

"The OG, Prince's in Nashville! When I was at UVA I would drive home to Texas for the holidays and almost always stop at the original location. I could do the hot, but never got to the extra hot." The restaurant has even inspired the fried chicken that Lu makes at Blue Rock, which is doused in Buffalo sauce and Laoganma (a famous brand of Chinese chili sauce).

He's not the only chef that called out Prince's as one a staple for southern-style fried chicken. Chef and owner Grant Kneble of Freddy J's Bar & Kitchen in New Jersey is also a big fan. "Their fried chicken isn't just crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; their signature punch of spice truly sets them apart. The harmony of heat, subtle sweetness, and traditional southern spices creates an intoxicating flavor experience. This isn't simply a meal, it's a memory that lingers long after the last bite, and I still find myself dreaming about it."

Sign up for our newsletter!

Another top-tier fried chicken spot, family-owned Mike's started out in a laundromat in 2014 and has since grown to two locations in the DFW area. Malik Cantu, the head chef at Isla & Co. in Dallas, swears by Mike's, telling us, "Hands down the best fried chicken comes from Mike's Chicken, located in Dallas on Maple Avenue. Served out of the side of a laundromat, this chicken is the juiciest, crunchiest, and most flavorful chicken around. It's not a matter of opinion, it's literally the best. No questions asked! The chicken is good by itself, however, it also pairs well with their house-made sauce and sides."

Pastry chef Kayisha Thompson of De L'or Cakery in New York City tells us she had the most amazing fried chicken at South City Kitchen while living in Atlanta. "We dined either at the Buckhead or Midtown location. It was a beautiful atmosphere, the servers were very attentive, and the fried chicken was fantastic."

Those who know Southern food know that some of the best versions come from local convenience stores and gas stations. According to chef David Thomas, soul food connoisseur and chef and partner at Baltimore-based H3irloom Food Group, convenience store chain Parker's Kitchen makes some of the best fried chicken he's ever had.

"When we go down to South Carolina or Georgia, which is maybe three or four times a summer, we have to go to Parker's. I originally was drawn to it because it looked so familiar, like a place up here called Royal Farms that has a similar color layout. And then when I saw they sold fried chicken, I had to try it. It's made fresh and double-breaded, which gives it a nice extra crunch. It's some of the best fried chicken I've had and consistently tastes homemade."

Escoffier Chef Instructor Christopher Diehl shouted out the well-regarded Husk in South Carolina (they also have locations in Nashville and Savannah). "I had the pleasure of accompanying the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts' Farm To Table students at an event where we visited Husk in Charleston," Deih said. "They had amazing fried chicken! Crispy, flaky, juicy, and tender. What made it even more special were the dishes served alongside, which were skillet cornbread with whipped honey butter and collard greens with bacon. Hands down, it was the best fried chicken we had ever experienced!"

The post 5 Best Fried Chicken Spots in the South, According to Chefs appeared first on Eat This Not That.

MrBeast—whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson—founded MrBeast Burger in 2020 in partnership with Virtual Dining Concepts, the company behind virtual restaurant brands like Guy Fieri's Flavortown Kitchen and Robert Irvine's American Heroes. Only available via delivery and pick-up, MrBeast Burger works out of existing restaurants that prepare the virtual chain's smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries, in addition to their own menus, as an extra revenue stream. This business model and MrBeast's massive following in the tens of millions allowed the nontraditional burger chain to expand rapidly in the short time it has been around, but that quick growth seems to have come at a cost.

RELATED: The #1 Burger To Order at Every Major Dine-In Chain, According to Chefs

Customers would regularly complain about receiving wildly inaccurate orders from MrBeast Burger, as well as burgers and chicken sandwiches that are either charred or completely raw in the middle. In 2021, one especially frustrated customer went so far as to compare MrBeast Burger to the Chum Bucket, a fictional restaurant known for serving up unappetizing foods from the children's show Spongebob Squarepants.

mrbeast burger is literally the chum bucket in real life pic.twitter.com/XdFIPxWi8O

— MushCloud (Archived) (@CloudyShroom) May 17, 2021

Now, even MrBeast himself has acknowledged the toll that these iffy virtual burger joints are taking on his image. In a now-deleted tweet from this past weekend, the Youtuber wrote that it was "impossible" to guarantee good quality while working with thousands of restaurants he doesn't actually own.

This tweet has been deleted

But does not look good for MrBeast Burger pic.twitter.com/Qavqk9dZqa

— Joe Guszkowski (@JoeGuszkowski) June 17, 2023

"I'm moving on from MrBeast Burger so I can focus on Feastables and making snacks!" he wrote, referring to his snack brand that sells candy bars, gummies, and cookies.

In another deleted tweet, he added that he wanted to completely shut down MrBeast Burger, "but the company I partnered with won't let me stop even though it's terrible for my brand," according to Restaurant Business Magazine.

Sign up for our newsletter!

As of today, Virtual Dining Concepts still lists MrBeast Burger as one of its brands and multiple locations that we checked were still accepting food orders. However, Donaldson's attempt to publicly cut ties with the company casts doubt on the future of the troubled burger brand, especially if it loses the support of his fans.

Virtual Dining Concepts did not immediately respond to our requests for comment on Donaldson's tweets and what lies ahead for MrBeast Burger.

The post Controversial Burger Brand MrBeast May Be Closing Up Shop appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The exact origins of this cornmeal-battered dog are a mystery, according to most reports. Several patents were filed for contraptions that were intended to cook something similar looking to the iconic sweet and savory treat, according to The Daily Meal, but there's no definitive evidence. It appears that the first corn dog-like food appeared on the scene in 1930, but it was called a Pronto Pup.

What makes a corndog so good is the subtle sweet outside with the smoky hot dog interior. Plus, it stays super hot—and who doesn't love a treat that comes on a stick.? Still, while many national chains do not offer corn dogs (Sonic is the only major exception). But depending on where you live, you can find a few excellent examples of the fair food. If you're looking for a dose of fun with lunch, here are seven spots to get a great corn dog.

RELATED: 5 Best Hot Dogs In Chicago, According to Chefs

If you're looking for a corn dog nearby, Sonic is probably your best bet. The chain has over 3,500 locations across 47 states. The corn dog at Sonic is a perfect example of the meaty treat. A simple hot dog is wrapped in slightly sweet corn meal batter and deep fried.

The chain also carries several hot dogs with different toppings. The Chili Cheese Coney is topped with warm chili and melty cheddar and can also be had in a foot-long size. The All-America Dog has ketchup, yellow mustard, relish, and diced onions—which is a fresh combo you really should try! Of course, you can always get your favorite toppings too.

RELATED: 10 Unhealthiest Fast-Food Hot Dogs To Stay Away From Right Now

Culver's is one of the premier fast-food chains in the U.S. in terms of sourcing fresh ingredients—the 100% beef burgers are cooked from fresh-never-frozen beef and the chain churns out frozen custard all day long. Culver's corn dogs are made from pork franks and double-coated in a sweet honey cornmeal batter and then deep-fried.

If you want to find a Culver's location, look to the Midwest and Florida, though the chain can be found in 26 states, and more are always being planned.

With a name like Wienerschnitzel, you know you're in for some seriously good hot dogs—and more innovative options, including a great corn dog. The chain started with a single location in Southern California in 1961 and has grown to over 320 locations in 11 states.

The hot dog creations at Wienerschnitzel are made with the chain's original, all-beef, or Polish hot dog. Like Culver's, this corn dog is double-dipped in sweet honey batter and deep-fried. The Mini Corn Dogs are made with miniature franks that are dipped in the same sweetened batter and fried. The chain also serves burgers, desserts, and various breakfast items.

RELATED: 8 Hot Dogs That Use the Highest Quality Ingredients

It's not really a surprise that a place called Hot Dog on a Stick serves up delicious corn dogs. The chain, which has 45 locations, also offers up cheese on a stick, french fries, funnel cake sticks, and "hand-stomped" lemonade. The corn dogs come in turkey, veggie, or with a Nathan's Famous frank tucked inside—the winner of our exclusive hot dog taste test. For the cheese on a stick, you can choose from American, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella Cheese. You can even order 25-stick Party Packs that you mix and match that will really make a crowd happy.

While James Coney Island sounds like a spot that should be in New York's famous Coney Island area, all of its seven locations are currently in Houston, Texas. The chain, while smaller now than it once was, serves up different types of hot dogs, burgers, and several sides. It has traditional corn dogs for less than $3. This spot has quite a history, having just celebrated its 100th year in business. Presidents and famous actors like John Wayne have dined at the establishment for out-of-this-world coney dogs, chili cheese dogs, and, of course, a corn dog or two.

RELATED: I Tried 8 Store-Bought Hot Dogs & This Is the Best One

What began in 1927 as a horse-drawn hot dog cart in a park on Buffalo's West Side selling charcoal-broiled hot dogs, homemade onion rings, and real milkshakes has grown (slowly) to nine locations. You can find Ted's Hot Dogs in Western New York, plus there's a single location in Tempe, AZ. The chain is known for its unique franks cooked on a cast iron pan over hot coals. The chain also carries corn dogs if you're looking for an easy-to-eat frank on a stick. The chain serves up local faves Sahlen's franks and Mineo & Sapio sausages.

If you want hot dogs every single way you can possibly imagine, The Original Hot Dog Factory delivers. You can get everything from classic combos—like a Chicago dog with whole pickles, sweet relish, onions, mustard, and celery seed—to wild creations like a Surf & Turf Dog with jumbo lump crabmeat. And, yes, you can also get an all-beef hot dog battered in the iconic sweet cornmeal crust, or a dozen poppable corn dog nuggets. There are 15 locations to choose from across the country, with the most in Atlanta.

Sign up for our newsletter!

The post 7 Fast-Food Chains That Serve the Best Corn Dogs appeared first on Eat This Not That.

In fact, if you want to get technical, soft serve isn't actually considered "real" ice cream at all.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration's regulations require at least 10% of butterfat content to call something ice cream, while soft serves from chains like Dairy Queen only contain about half of that amount.

Whether soft serve is real ice cream or not, we can still appreciate it for what it is—a creamy frozen dessert that's delicious in its own right. Some chains that offer soft serve are better at it than others, with some charging little to nothing (literally) to order a cone. Others carry a unique menu with various soft-serve dessert options. The next time your sweet tooth is ringing, and you go out searching for soft-serve ice cream, these are the places to go.

RELATED: 10 Best Ice Cream Chains in America 

Wendy's is one of those fast-food chains where the soft-serve ice cream is just as iconic as the burgers. It almost feels like a disservice to leave without ordering a Frosty, which comes in Classic Vanilla or Chocolate, along with occasional seasonal flavors like Strawberry and Peppermint. Perfect for dipping your french fries, Wendy's Frosty is one of the more recognizable soft-serve treats in the fast-food industry.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Depending on where you grew up, Dairy Queen may have been your go-to option when it was time to pile into the family car and head out for some ice cream. The fast-food chain has expanded its menu over the years to now offer Grill and Chill locations, including entire menus of meal options like burgers, chicken tenders, and french fries (per Dairy Queen).

But it has also stuck to what it is best known for. They may only have chocolate or vanilla soft serve, but those two flavors are used in a much larger menu that includes sundaes and their signature Blizzards.

The only thing better than an ice cream cone is a free ice cream cone. At Jason's Deli, the soft serve is totally free with any purchase, which makes for a no-brainer when it comes to dessert.

The chain is big on quality ingredients, being the first national chain to remove partially hydrogenated oil from its menu. There are Jason's Deli locations across the United States, mostly concentrated in the Southeast region and into Texas, where the chain is headquartered.

Sometimes all you need is a simple Vanilla ice cream cone to get you through the day. McDonald's Vanilla Cone is an inexpensive addition to your meal or a great afternoon snack all on its own at just $1. If you prefer ice cream in a cup instead of a cone, add Hot Fudge or Hot Caramel Sauce to your dessert.

The McFlurry is another form of soft serve at McDonald's, and there have been more iterations of it than we can count since its initial launch in 1997.  Just hope that the ice cream machine is working!

Your local Burger King isn't too shabby of an ice cream destination and can offer vanilla soft serve in a cup or a cone for some $2.79. Burger King is no stranger to various promotions throughout the year, and sometimes those promotions can bring new and unique desserts to its menu for a limited time. This includes the recent "Spider-Verse" Sundae, which comes with that signature vanilla soft serve and red and black chocolate popping candy.

RELATED: 8 Ice Cream Chains Where Chefs Actually Eat

As long as it's not Sunday, you can enjoy classic vanilla Icedream at Chick-fil-A, in a cup or a cone. Chick-fil-A's soft-serve ice cream also serves as the base for the chain's milkshakes, which come in a variety of different flavors, including Chocolate, Peach, and Oreo.

The small chain Tastee-Freez is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., and has locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and North Dakota. Customers can enjoy anything from burgers and hot dogs to milkshakes and ice cream sundaes. Tastee-Freez keeps it simple with Vanilla, Chocolate, or Vanilla Chocolate Twist cones. You can also upgrade to a Freeze, which mixes your choice of ice cream with Oreo or Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, or you can go ultra-classic with a Banana Split Sundae.

Getting a soft-serve ice cream treat at Sonic could not be easier. After all, you don't even need to get out of your car—just pull up to one of the order boxes and enjoy your meal minutes later. You have multiple flavor options if you want a milkshake to go with your hot dog or chili cheese tots. But Sonic only offers Vanilla if you want to stick to a hand-held soft-serve cone.

The post 8 Chains That Serve the Best Soft-Serve Ice Cream appeared first on Eat This Not That.